On Thursday, Bredesen compared broad tariffs to taking a big ax to a problem that needs a scalpel. Bredesen wants Trump to appoint a bipartisan group with mainly community leaders to discuss the issue.

Blackburn said Friday the federal government has to tread very carefully, target China and other offenders, and avoid driving up consumer prices.

Blackburn said she'll continue talking with Trump's administration to ensure the tariffs are "light touch" and include exceptions.